Final Fantasy 16 Shatters Gaming Norms with Revolutionary Crystal Twist

Warning: This article contains significant spoilers for Final Fantasy 16. Proceed at your own risk.

Final Fantasy 16 presents a dark and mature interpretation of the beloved Final Fantasy franchise by developer Square-Enix. Incorporating the series' iconic elements like magic, summons, dragoons, and chocobos, the game reimagines them within the war-torn realm of Valisthea. However, the most notable departure from tradition is the role reversal of the crystals, traditionally symbols of hope and light, now serving as the main antagonist. Clive Rosfield, the protagonist of the game, embarks on a mission to liberate humanity from the sway of magic, defying the longstanding tradition of crystals in the Final Fantasy universe.

Final Fantasy's Crystals Have Long Been a Symbol of Light

In Final Fantasy 16, we embark on a captivating journey alongside Clive Rosfield as he navigates through three distinct phases of his life. Throughout this epic adventure, he traverses the enchanting realm of Valisthea, a land torn apart by the relentless warfare among its kingdoms. The coveted Mothercrystals, which possess incredible mystical powers, lie at the heart of this conflict, as each kingdom desperately seeks to claim them as their own. These precious crystals not only bestow magic upon the land and its inhabitants but also grant a chosen few from each kingdom the ability to command the formidable Eikons, reimagined summons in the world of Final Fantasy 16. Moreover, another group known as the Bearers, who are naturally gifted with basic magical abilities, face the unfortunate fate of being exploited and enslaved by those in power.

Throughout the history of the Final Fantasy series, crystals have always represented a symbol of purity and righteousness. In each installment, our heroic group embarks on a quest to connect with these sacred crystals, harnessing their divine energy. Even in Final Fantasy 5, where the crystals are shattered and fragmented, they still grant extraordinary abilities to our heroes. In Final Fantasy 13, although environmental crystals are absent, the essence of the iconic crystals lives on. As l'Cie fulfill their sacred duties, known as Focus, they undergo a magnificent transformation, becoming colossal crystal statues and finding eternal tranquility in their new form.

Final Fantasy 16's Mothercrystals Shatter Tradition

: Liberating Humanity from the Tyranny of the Mothercrystals

In a relentless effort to liberate humanity, Clive and his comrades embark on a daring quest to infiltrate the core of each formidable mothercrystal in Final Fantasy 16, ultimately obliterating them in their entirety. This act of annihilation ultimately dissolves the entire mothercrystal, propelling humanity towards a world devoid of enchantment. Moreover, it is widely speculated that these crystals may be the culprits behind a devastating Blight, which has ravaged certain regions of Valisthea, intensifying the urgency of Clive's mission. However, as Clive decimates the majority of the mothercrystals, he unearths a sinister truth that lays concealed within them, uncovering the true malevolence lurking beneath the surface.

Clive and his brother come across Ultima, a powerful foe in Final Fantasy 16. They initially believe Ultima's objective is to protect the mothercrystals, but as they reach the last crystal, Ultima discloses the truth. It turns out that Ultima actually created the mothercrystals in order to tap into Valisthea's natural magic called aether. Ultima's intention is to use aether to build a new and flawless world, but he lacks a physical form to wield it. Hence, Dominants were created to nurture the perfect vessel, Clive. Surprisingly, Ultima reveals himself to be only a fragment of the true god, Ultimalius, with the other fragments housed within the Mothercrystals. By destroying the crystals, Clive has liberated the pieces and enabled Ultimalius to manifest in his genuine form and carry out his grand design.

Final Fantasy 16 is currently available on PS5.